Be Bold

We go to a satellite church of Northpoint, a mega church out of Atlanta with Pastor Andy Stanley. 

 Every Sunday, we have the opportunity to hear him speak God's word and if you've never heard him speak, he is phenomenal.  He has this way of getting down on your level and speaking to you as though you were sitting in his living room, just talking as old friends.  

Recently, we've been going through a series called, "Big Church".  

It's been monumental to me. 

 I don't believe I've ever heard such profound messages that spoke straight to my heart and my life as I have in this message series...and let me just tell you, I have sat through many a church message!

The biggest lesson I have taken from this series though is more of a challenge to be bolder in my faith and in my life.

This life that we live in encourages everyone to be neutral, non-offensive, politically correct.

That way no one is offended, no one feels convicted, no one has to look deep into their hearts and realize there are issues that need addressing.  

This way of living just makes me sick.

  In fact, it is the exact opposite of how we are to live our lives, if we are Christians.

We have been studying about Paul. 

Paul...what a man.

 He was fresh out of prison, just flogged (flogged= beaten,  as in shards of metal and rock on the ends of a whip, ripping through his flesh on his stomach and back until he was near death) for preaching about Christ and you know what his first reaction was?  He was ready to go out, telling others about Jesus, not in another town or country but literally in the same place where he was JUST caught.  

Talk about boldness, right?

As we are studying the early church, my eyes have been opened to how much "church" has changed.  We've gone from being the church who was flocked, beaten, tortured and murdered because of the gospel truth that was shared to the almost complete opposite (at least here in America).  We call these "feel good" churches.  

The types of church that don't like to preach on sin or hell or what really happens when a person does not accept Jesus Christ as the one living true Savior.

  Jesus Christ is THE only way...no matter what Oprah tries to tell ya.

  But, a lot of "gospel preaching" churches aren't preaching that.  They want you to leave their church feeling good about yourself so that you'll come back next week.

This post is about a lot of things.  I am guilty of not being bold enough, or really being bold at all.  

What would happen if we all asked God for some boldness?  What would happen if we invited our neighbor to church?  They might say no! Oh my word...and then our lives would be ruined, right?  NOT!  At least you can say that you tried...and that's all we can do! 

 But if we never try? 

This post is about finding a church that doesn't make you leave feeling awesome about yourself this week.  How about a church that makes you feel...big words here folks.......CONVICTED........GUILTY............in the big and little things in your life.  

I think it's easy to believe the parts about the Bible that we want and then leave the rest out that don't quite fit into our "lifestyle".

I'm going to be bold here for a minute about some things that our society deems as acceptable, and I'm going to offend some of you, maybe a lot of you...and if I lose every follower I have, I will risk it because I am not speaking words from my own mouth, I am speaking the truth that we can all find in God's Word.

Here are some "things" that a lot of people around you will tell you are perfectly acceptable:

Getting drunk.

Cheating on your spouse...if you aren't happy, then it's okay to find someone that makes you happy.

Sex outside of marriage...even with your long time boyfriend that you love with all your heart.

Living with someone you aren't married to.

Dressing provocatively.

Homosexuality,  I said it.  Everyone will tell you there's nothing wrong with it and we should accept it.

Having an abortion...even at 8 weeks along...it's a baby from the day of conception.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. 

 Everyone wants to brush these under the rug because it's much easier to not accept that the Bible outright says each one of these is sin...along with a million other things...and just because you aren't doing any of these doesn't make it any better when you accept it as ok when others are.  

Being bold may mean addressing one or more of these in your life, or even approaching someone you love because they are living in a way that's acceptable in the world's eyes, but not in God's.

God says that as a Christian, we are responsible to help our brothers and sisters in Christ, even when that means putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations at the risk of losing friendships.

You won't be the first one to lose friends over standing up for what's right, and you won't be the last.

Being bold can mean so many things though.  

God's possibilities for boldness for us are endless.

But we have to ask Him to help us to be bold.

This past Sunday, we were all given a wristband to wear that says, "Be Bold Acts 4:29".

Acts 4:29-30 says, 

"And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

We were encouraged to wear them as a reminder to us to BE BOLD.  It sure has been a reminder to me! I look at it all the time, mostly because I am not a bracelet wearer so it's driving me nuts, but I just take that as a good thing because the more times in a day that I look at it, the more opportunity I have to pray for boldness and to be aware of situations where I have can be bold.

I can't give all of you a BE BOLD bracelet to wear, but I did make a print out for you. 

 Something you can put anywhere...take to your office, put on your fridge, wall, bathroom mirror.....who knows, maybe by putting it in an obvious place, you'll have the opportunity to be bold!

I am also attaching the link to the messages we heard from Andy Stanley. 

 If you have a few minutes, I think your life will be forever challenged by his words of truth.

The two messages I think you will enjoy the most are "Big Prayers" and "Big and Bold".  

Life changing messages...I just can't say it enough. 

 Click HERE to check one or both out.

 I say all of this out of love for each of you.  

God's love is powerful and He wants the best for each of our lives, but we can only better our lives by striving to be better ourselves. 

 God expects a lot from us and He gives us the tools and the love and the wisdom that we need to strive to be better for Him! 

Right now, when the world is telling us be neutral, God is telling us to stand apart from the world.

You don't have to accept sin just because everyone around you is.

There's no better time than right now, here in this very moment to choose to live a life of boldness for Christ.

 It's time to be bold, are you ready?

Click here to print your own "Be Bold" poster.

Here are a few more encouraging verses to remember as you begin your new life of boldness:

1 Chronicles 28:20

"...Be strong and courageous, and do the work.  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you.  He will not fail your or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished."

Psalms 27:1

"The LORD is my light and my salvations; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?"

Deuteronomy 31:6

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

A Real Happy New Year

This Christmas has been so crazy. 

 It's been fun and excitement filled and tiring and draining and all well worth it.  

We have spent tons of time with both sides of our families and Caleb has been able to finally meet all of his cousins.

Then the new year rolled around.  My family came in town to see us and we had a second Christmas.  They all left this morning though, leaving a two year old with big crocodile tears in his eyes.  

Seth and I were also sad to see all our family leave, leaving us with an empty house, in a town with no family. 

 Our choice of course when we decided to join the Army, but every time we have to say goodbye to our families, our hearts wish that we could live closer than 10 and 14 hours away. 

 I think being pregnant makes me even more homesick than I usually am.  

Our hearts just want to be closer to family.

I was also thinking back on this past year. 

 I saw so many tweets and Facebook posts about how excited people were about the new year and how horrible 2011 had been for some. 

 It really made me stop and think about what the year 2011 was like for us.

January we found out that we were expecting, due September 11.  

The end of January, we found out that we lost our little baby.

February, our little Caleb turned 2 and we had a great birthday for him at the aquarium and then a birthday brunch with special friends.  My parents even surprised him and drove down for his big day!

March, we found out again that we were expecting and then a few days later, yet again went through the sadness of realizing we had lost that little baby too.

April we found out we were moving.  I had mixed feelings.  I had spent a year and a half making new friends, most of that time while Seth was deployed.  These friends had helped me through a difficult time.  They had kept me busy and watched out for me.  We had found a great church and we had a nice home.  But even with all the great things Fort Benning had to offer us, there's always a sense of excitement when you find out you are moving somewhere.  My heart was still fragile from the loss of two babies and recent news of two of my closest friends becoming pregnant made my heart ache worse.  I was happy for them, I truly was, but every time I met them for lunch or spent time with them, I couldn't help but long to be pregnant too, I should have been experiencing pregnancy with them.  It seemed to make sense that it would make my move easier, just to have a fresh start and not be constantly reminded of my miscarriages.  Such a selfish train of thought as I would later learn.

May we had a great time just spending time with friends and each other.  That, and I almost ended up with a pixie style haircut when I tried to highlight my hair myself.  I jumped up and down in the shower, begging Jesus to not let all my hair fall out...I can SO laugh at that now, but at the time it was not funny.  I still have my hair...but will not be trying the home highlighting kit ever again!

June was my birthday month!  Caleb and I drove to Virginia to spend time with my family and Seth surprised me by meeting us up there and taking me for a weekend to Williamsburg...this was our very first trip together without Caleb and we had a great great time.

July was moving month.  It was hot.  It was a long couple of weeks but we managed to get our entire house unpacked in 4 days.  Did I mention it was hot??? 

August we found out were expecting!  We found out super early...I thought I was further along than I was, only to have my first ultrasound to find out I was 2 1/2 weeks behind what I thought. But baby had a strong heartbeat! We also spent the month getting to know our new town and meeting new friends.

September was a blur.  I know Caleb started school and I know I at least showered and got dressed (most days), but I was sick...so so so so sick with little baby in my belly and the whole month seems hazy.

October was partially blurry.  I started feeling better about halfway through the month.  October was a rough month.  We lost a good friend of ours back home and made the trip to Virginia for the funeral.  It feels like just yesterday that we found out he had been killed.  Now, nearly 3 months later, we still think about him and talk about him all the time.

We came back from Virginia and a few days later we did Halloween with our little Halloween chicken.  He was such a cutie.  Best Halloween so far.

November was fun.  We spent Thanksgiving with my family and took Caleb to a beautiful orchard in Virginia.  We were all able to get a good taste of fall, falling leaves and bright, gorgeous mountains, covered in yellows, reds and golds...something that is foreign here in south Alabama.

December was also fun.  We decorated for Christmas and spent 11 days in Texas for Seth's sister's wedding and Christmas with the Wade side of the family.  We had a fun, family filled time catching up with everyone!

Our year has been filled with ups and downs. 

 I look back at each trial we faced, the loss of two babies and a childhood friend and other trials that weren't blogged about. 

 Were they fun? Of course not.  But through each and every trial I have faced this year, I can see where God used every part of it to grow me. 

 I was able to work through my jealousy of my expecting friends and find true joy in my hearts for them and find contentment in where I was, just in time to find out I was expecting again.

God's timing is no coincidence. 

I've been able to appreciate my life in a new way because of the death of others.

I've seen grown men and ladies act like my two year old because they have allowed their own self pity to eat away at them and I watched as they hurt so many people around them.

 I knew in those instances that God had better plans for me than for me to spend even another minute feeling sorry for myself.

I have faith that in every trial I will face, God has a plan for me...perhaps a lesson I need to learn or something someone else needs to learn from me.  We have the choice to take our trials and wallow in our own self pity, blaming others for our poor choices and living our lives as the victim, or we can put our grown up pants on and thank God for our trials, knowing that He will bring us through to the other side, stronger and better.

I know I have hurt people along the way this past year.  I have pushed people away out of my own selfishness and I have made my fair share of mistakes. I pouted and wallowed at times and my self pity was overwhelming some days. 

This year wasn't perfect and I was and am far from perfect, but God sure did take care of me in spite of my mistakes.

If I choose to highlight the low parts of my year and dwell on them, I could say this year really stunk...but that wouldn't be the honest answer.  

My blessings far outweigh my hurts.  I'm in a warm house today with a healthy husband and 2 year old and a healthy little one kicking from in my belly.  I am not hungry and I have clothes on my back.  My bills will be paid this month, my husband has a job.  I have friends and family who love me.  I have Christmas gifts that I haven't even been able to use yet.  My list could go on forever and ever.  

This year has been a great year.  God has provided for me in so many ways and I know that whatever I may face in 2012, it will all be okay because I have God on my side. 

 It might not be easy, it may not always be fun but I know I can lay my head down each night and know that God is there with me.

This year, I will find my contentment through Christ, knowing that nothing on this earth can ever fulfill me like He does.  

I will thank Him for each day and place each day in His hands.

I will ask Him to help me with my struggles and flaws so that perhaps next year, they will be a thing He has allowed me to conquer.

I don't know about you but I am sure glad I have God on my side to start this new year off.

Without HIM, my life isn't worth living.

Is He number one on your list this year?

Here is a devotion I read today.  I felt like it described me perfectly.  What a great devotion to start the new year off!

Love to you all...I pray the year 2012 is full of blessings for you and your family!!!

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The Most Searched for Answer

Lysa TerKeurst

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Growing up I had a plan for how I could make my life good.

Get a good education. A good job. A good husband. A few good kids. A good house. A good flowerbed out front. And a good mini-van parked in the driveway.

Then life would be… good.

Eventually, I had all that good stuff. I was thankful for it all. I loved my family to pieces. The mini-van wasn’t all I thought it would be, but I felt like an official mom driving it. So even that wound up being good.

But something inside me still felt hollow. A little off. A little lacking.

So, I reasoned I needed something else to do. Something where I could use my gifts and talents. And while these things were fun and satisfying on one level, they too fell short when it came to that deep place ringing with the echoes of empty.

Empty is a heavy load to bear. The mystery of wanting to be filled but not knowing how or what could fill the deep soul is a gnawing ache. A search that can seem both futile and shattering at times.

When you try and try, always feeling like the answer is just around the corner, and then it isn’t, it can split your heart wide open and leak dry all your reserves.

It can make you feel unsatisfied and frustrated with everything. Even those you love. Maybe especially those you love.

So you fake a smile and keep putting one foot in front of the other. But eventually you stop peeking around the next corner hoping the answer is there. History tells you it isn’t. And wrapped in that perception is the noose that strangles out all hope.

Sadly, this is where many women live.

I know this place because I lived there. I struggled there.

And I guess I’m just wondering if you or someone you love might be there as we begin another year. A New Year. It’s tough when everything around you screams “Happy New Year!” and you feel anything but.

It quite honestly stinks.

So, I’m not going to pretend you’ll suddenly feel super happy after reading this.

But what I can promise is a string of words that explains a lot. An answer that is sure and solid and true and full of the breathless wonder of a hope rediscovered.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved,” (Acts 4:13).

Salvation can’t be found in a person.

Even a good husband — good children — a good friend makes a very poor God.

Salvation can’t be found in anyone or anything else.

No education or job or house can save you.

There is no other.

Only Jesus.

And I’m not just talking about saying we’re a Christian. Just following the rules and really following Jesus are two totally different things.

Going through the motions of religion won’t ever satisfy. It’s only when we bend down low, open our heart in complete surrender, and say, “Jesus, it’s You. Only You. There is no other. There is no other possession or person or position that can ever fill the deep soul place shaped only for You.”

This is my New Year’s prayer this year. Though I’ve been saved for a long time, I want to recapture the essence of this “no other” reality.

And really live like this is true.

Because it is. True.

Dear Lord, forgive me for trying to fill the empty places of my soul with people, possessions and positions. I want to know what it means to have You, Lord, as the satisfier of the deep places meant only for You. Show me. Teach me. Lead me. And I will follow. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Wiregrass Museum of Art

   The more I get to know Caleb, the more I realize that his little 2 year old self isn't much different than my 25 year old self.  Some days he wakes up in a fabulous mood and the day seems to be GREAT! He doesn't have to be punished for anything, he's not whiny, he listens, he's sweet and he's just a joy to be around.  Then there are days where I literally feel as though he's morphed into a different child that I don't recognize.  Everything we try to do seems to be a struggle, he's crying and whining about anything and everything and 90% of what end up coming out of my mouth that day seems to be, "Caleb, stop doing that!" or "No!"  

  We've definitely had quite a few of the struggling days here lately.  This move seems to have put him in a confused state. Everything from misbehaving to seemingly forgetting that he was potty trained a month ago! He understands that we have a "new house" but I often find him asking for his friends back in Columbus.  He especially seems to think about them just before bed and I'm so sad that he hasn't been able to meet any new buddies yet to take his mind off the buddies he's missing from his "old house".  I can't blame him though.  I have also been in a not so fabulous mood here lately.  I miss having an outlet...a group of great girlfriends that I can call and meet up with in a few minutes notice.  We've been working non-stop trying to get our house in order and now that things are slowing down a bit, I am realizing that I don't have that network of friends here.  I'm at square one and I'm super frustrated!  I know that in time, Caleb and I will both meet new friends but for right now, I feel we are both sad and lonely missing our friends that we no longer live near.

   However, last night and today have been what I would like to consider a turn of the corner...perhaps for both of us.  My stinky attitude and mood seem to have disappeared.  I was able to read a few great devotionals and spend some time with God, asking Him to help me get over this hump in the road and to appreciate each new moment and to have patience that new relationships will develop in His timing.  I don't want to miss out on the great times that I could be having just because my attitude stinks...it's my choice what I'm going to do about my circumstances!

We started off last night by taking Caleb to see his first movie in the theatre.  We saw Winnie the Pooh and it was the cutest little movie.  Caleb didn't budge!

    Then this morning I got on the computer and looked up some fun things that we could all do together in these last couple of days before Seth starts his new job...and lo and behold, I found an entire list!  After a great lunch at Panera, where Caleb ate his entire sandwich without whining and complaining (and if you knew Caleb, you would know how great of a feat that was!), we drove downtown and visited The Wiregrass Museum of Art.  We truly had a great time together.  Caleb behaved like a little angel which meant that Seth and I could actually enjoy ourselves.  After looking at the exhibits, we let Caleb play in the kids area for a good 30 minutes....of which he LOVED! Seth and I even had fun coloring with him. He didn't fuss or throw a fit when we had to leave...oh how I wish everyday could be like today!  

The perfect devotional for times when you are just in a funk you can't get out of: 

"My Utmost for His Highest- After Obedience---What?"

I love it because it talks about the importance of NOW rather than later.  "God's training is for now...His purpose if for this minute, not for something in the future..."

This devotional is a reminder to me that every moment counts.  Live for the NOW, not for the future...life is short and if we don't live for now, our life will pass us by.

I'm reminded that every day as I see Caleb watching me and mimicking me.  Even my 2 year old can pick up on my rotten attitude.

Such an encouragement to me to put my sad, quick tempered, moody, rude self to the side and take on each moment with a positive attitude that would glorify God.  After all, as Christians our sole purpose in this life is to point others to Christ through every aspect of our lives!  I'm not perfect and never will be but that won't keep me from trying my best to be better with each moment...no matter if I fail more than I succeed! 

beauty after the storm

This is the devotion that was sent to me today from Proverbs 31 ministries. If you have a chance, I think you will be glad you read it :)

My first personal "storm" occurred when I was 14 years old. It was filled with heartache, death, mystery, fear and freedom. It's a storm that took me years to piece together.

And many more years to realize the beauty born from it.

School was out for the summer. I had just finished the 8th grade and could hardly wait to go to the beach with my family. I can remember the harried havoc as if it was yesterday - snack food, suitcases, and beach necessities were strewn all throughout our kitchen. We were excitedly packing that evening, getting ready for the next morning's early departure for Ocean City, New Jersey.

My memory also perfectly recalls the knock on the door that evening which would define the next 12 years of my life.

It was my friends' dad who lived down the street. "Did you see Evie today? Do you know where she might be?" he asked with hope. "She never came home tonight."

I had not seen her that day. Nor would I ever again.

A neighbor of mine had asked my girlfriend Evie to clean his house. As it turns out, he had other plans in mind for her that day.

Shortly after she arrived at his home, he forced her into his car, restrained her hands, gagged her and drove to a densely wooded area several miles away. Over an undisclosed period of time he performed unspeakable acts and then he left her for dead.

It took the authorities more than 6 months to find her body and solve what had come to be a nation-wide mystery.

During the many months they searched for her, and worked to piece it all together, I became consumed with fear. I promised myself that I would never be at home alone again. And for the most part, I stuck to that vow for many years.

Eventually I found freedom from this fear. It was a gradual process that came to fruition as I grew in my faith. Christ intervened, and I gradually let go. I am no longer consumed by the details of her death or the remnants of my fear.

Several years ago the Lord quietly revealed a most special memory of Evie that I had long forgotten. We were having a sleepover one evening. As we were lying in my bed laughing, talking, and dreaming as girlfriends do, she very nonchalantly asked me if I wanted to be sure to get into Heaven. Of course I wanted to be sure. I knew that Heaven was a wonderful place. I waited in eager anticipation for her next words.

"Ask Jesus into your heart," she pronounced. "That's it? Just ask Him into my heart?" I quipped. "Well yes. There's more, but that's the start…" she said.

And that precious little Evie prayed with me right there in the wee hours of the night, helping me to ask Jesus into my heart.

One young God-honoring friend.

One unutterable death.

At least one life saved…


…this was the beauty that He faithfully revealed to me years after my storm.

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Dear Lord, thank You for the life You have given me. I praise You for the ways You have spoken to me through Your Word, through prayer, and through other people. Thank You for healing me and delivering me from my fear. Help me to focus on You today and not become distracted by anything that is not of You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

You guessed it. . . HMD!!!

Every year I have sat in church and listened to the Mothers Day message. This year, as I listened, it took on a whole new meaning. You really never understand the mind of a mother until you are one yourself. The pastor was talking about how there are plenty of good mothers but not near enough Godly mothers. He told us that no matter what, you should never give up on your children and never ever stop praying for them. I pray for my little Caleb every day. I am already praying that he will have a heart that longs to serve God and that he will strive to always do the right thing. This is my first mothers day, and many of yours as well. I wish you all a great day and a great year full of sleep (yeah right!) and joy (that one is easier to achieve) and many days filled with smiles and kisses from your children :)

Falling in Love. . .

with prayer.





Since we finally finished the office, Seth and I decided to go and spend some time up there tonight enjoying our new, open space and reading our devotions. We have both really struggled here lately with spending time with God. It always seems like when things get busy, our quiet time is the first thing that gets neglected. I didn't plan on making a new years resolution, but this seams like the best time than any other to re-devote time each day to reading my Bible and praying. I found a few books while we were organizing the office that I had been wanting to read. The one I chose tonight was "Falling in Love with Prayer" by Mike Macintosh. I decided to share with you some things that were inspirational to me. Just maybe I am not the only one who struggles with my devotion time.

"Isn't is interesting that it is our choice whether to establish that link between us and God, and between God and us? We can decide to speak with God and hear from him or to reject any dialogue with him."

"Like me, you may look back on your childhood and adolescence as a time of excitement, fun and endless anticipation of what might happen next. For most of us though, the adventurous times of our lives begin to fade when we finish school and start to establish families and build careers. Eventually we all "settle down." Soon we find that a sense of monotony, predictability, and repetition has begun to creep into many aspects of our lives, including our spiritual lives. Prater becomes a religious activity, a ritual, something that only old folks enjoy doing because they probably don't have anything else to do. Or so we rationalize."

I don't know if that hits the nail on the head for any of you, but it really did with me. I am very interested to read this book and I hope to share more with you from it as I learn new things about prayer and God. As Dr. Falwell would say, "Nothing of eternal importance is ever accomplished aside from prayer." And as Billy Graham would say, "Pray unceasingly." Two great men who accomplished great things.

Tonight Seth and I made our 2 year timeline, filled with goals that we have set for ourselves. Our first timeline ran out a few months ago and we surprisingly stuck to it and accomplished the goals from that one, now we are looking forward to doing the same with this one. We named it "Operation: Our Plan Needs Prayer." We realize that aside from prayer, our goals will never get accomplished. I have self-diagnosed A.D.D. so now I just need to paste the words "REMEMBER TO PRAY TODAY?" on my bathroom mirror, car dash, fridge, computer screen, TV and forehead. I might should just have it permanently tattooed to myself :)